Benfica vs Manchester United - Manchester United stretched for CL clash with Benfica

Posted Wednesday, October 18, 2017 by PA

Manchester United will be without Eric Bailly, Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini and Paul Pogba for the Champions League clash at Benfica on Wednesday.

Centre-back Bailly missed the weekend draw at Liverpool with an unspecified knock sustained on international duty with the Ivory Coast, while injury setbacks also mean Carrick and Fellaini remain sidelined along with fellow midfielder Pogba.

Marcos Rojo travelled to Portugal but manager Jose Mourinho believes the defender remains two weeks away from returning to full fitness. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is also recovering from knee ligament damage, but Luke Shaw travelled with the team.

Mourinho has no intention of leaving United any time soon, but admits it will be an "impossible mission" to end his management career at Old Trafford.

After winning three trophies in his first season, the 54-year-old looks set to lead the club on their first genuine Premier League title charge since Sir Alex Ferguson departed.

United have been crying out for a figure like Mourinho since the Scot called time on his 27-year Old Trafford reign - the kind of longevity that the current incumbent does not believe is possible any more.

The Portuguese, synonymous with making a big impact over a short period in charge, dismissed the possibility of ending his managerial career at United over the weekend in an interview with French television, when he also spoke of his interest in Paris St Germain's project.

Mourinho downplayed what could be construed as public flirting ahead of Wednesday's Group A clash in Portugal, so too growing chatter that a new deal at United is being discussed.

"I think you (in the) English media, you have the answer for that," Mourinho said, when asked about how he saw his future.

"Because in one day it says that I'm going to sign a five-year contract, one-billion pounds per season and then the next day you say that I'm leaving and I'm going to Paris St Germain.

"I think that's the answer - the answer is that nothing is happening. I'm not signing a new five-year contract and I'm not leaving for Paris St Germain.

"I'm at Manchester United, I have a contract and that's it."